THE Better Business Bureau of Eastern and Central Kentucky is warning consumers of two of the more recent scams to hit the area: Many students have been receiving an official-looking mailing sent by the "National College Registration Board" (NCRB). The letter states that their so-called "campus card" is the student identification card issued to all registered college students. The letter goes on to say that "students should also expect to receive a second card when they arrive on campus in the fall...(but that) both cards are an essential part of a studentıs everyday life and should be carried at all times."

"At first glance, the carefully chosen wording leads the average person to believe this a necessary, university-sanctioned student ID card when, in fact, this for-profit company is selling a debit card," explains Tracey McLarney, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.

This detail is buried in the rest of the letter, where it is stated that the "Campus Card...is required for many services and purchasing privileges at whichever college or university [the] student chooses to attend." For a $25 fee, the card supposedly entitles the student to a debit account as well as discount privileges. However, NCRB is in no way affiliated with any university, emphasizes McLarney, and the card is not required for enrollment anywhere.

You’ve probably heard of slamming and spamming ­ now you might be a victim of an emerging phone scam known as "cramming. Phone cramming occurs when services are added or "crammed" to your phone bill without your consent. The BBB has received a steady flow of calls from Kentuckians since the scam originated earlier this year, says McLarney.